Elden Ring is a challenging game where survival is paramount, especially for players who favor tank builds. These builds focus on maximizing survivability, absorbing damage, and controlling the battlefield. Whether you're facing formidable bosses or hordes of enemies, having the right defensive items can make all the difference. Below are the top 6 Elden Ring Items that should be at the core of your tank build for maximum defense.
1. Greatshield of Glory
The Greatshield of Glory is one of the most iconic Elden Ring Items for tank builds. Its massive size and high defensive stats allow players to withstand almost any attack with ease. With a high physical and elemental resistance, it’s perfect for those looking to absorb damage and keep enemies at bay. Additionally, it has a special ability that boosts your poise, preventing you from being staggered during heavy attacks.
Pros:
High physical defense
Boosts poise
Large blocking surface
Cons:
Heavy, which reduces mobility
2. Bull-Goat Set
The Bull-Goat Set is a complete armor set that offers unparalleled physical defense. If you're prioritizing tanking damage over mobility, this set is a must-have. It significantly increases your poise, allowing you to absorb hits without staggering. However, the trade-off is that the Bull-Goat Set is extremely heavy, which means you’ll be slower and less agile.
Pros:
Incredible physical defense
High poise for resisting stagger
Cons:
Extremely heavy, limiting your movement
3. Dragon Slayer Armor Set
For those who want both style and substance, the Dragon Slayer Armor Set is a powerful choice in Elden Ring. This set offers solid protection against both physical and elemental damage. It also features an elegant design that sets you apart from other players. Though it’s not as heavy as the Bull-Goat Set, it still provides substantial defense and poise.
Pros:
Balanced defense (physical and elemental)
Good poise
Aesthetic appeal
Cons:
Not as heavy as the Bull-Goat Set, but still a bit slow
4. Flame, Grant Me Strength (Incantation)
The Flame, Grant Me Strength incantation is an excellent choice for players looking to enhance their defense through buffs. This incantation temporarily boosts your strength and physical attack power, giving you a defensive advantage by making you more capable of dealing with enemies quickly. The best part is that it’s a useful tool for both offensive and defensive strategies.
Pros:
Boosts strength and defense
Can be used with other buffs
Cons:
Requires FP and casting time
5. Radagon's Scarseal
Radagon's Scarseal is an accessory that can significantly increase your defense when used with a tank build. This talisman boosts your strength, which enhances your ability to equip heavier armor and shields. While it does increase your defense, it also comes with a downside: it lowers your resistance to certain negative effects, like poison and scarlet rot.
Pros:
Boosts strength and defense
Ideal for tank builds
Cons:
Increases vulnerability to poison and scarlet rot
6. Erdtrees Favor
Erdtrees Favor is a talisman that boosts your overall health, stamina, and equip load, which are critical stats for tank builds. By equipping this item, you can increase your ability to absorb damage and improve your stamina regeneration, making it easier to wear heavier armor without becoming overencumbered.
Pros:
Increases health, stamina, and equip load
Excellent for overall survivability
Cons:
Requires specific slot space
When building a tank character in Elden Ring, it’s crucial to balance defense with mobility and stamina. The Elden Ring Items listed above provide excellent protection while allowing you to maintain offensive power. Whether you’re looking for the best shield, armor, or talisman, these defensive options will help you stand strong against the toughest foes the game has to offer. Make sure to consider your playstyle and experiment with different combinations to find the setup that works best for you.